The snow season is upon us. Mountain ranges across Europe, the US and beyond are rapidly filling with thrill-seekers ready to carve their way through the powder atop some of the most spectacular, snow-capped peaks on earth.

But don't assume that just because you're thousands of feet up, among blue skies and trillions of white ice crystals, that you'll be bereft of technology. For the 2013 season, cutting-edge innovation to make you the envy of the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders is everywhere, including goggles with futuristic displays showing your location, how hard you're pushing down the mountain and even the text message that just pinged through to your smartphone; luxury goatskin gloves replete with GPS; an avalanche-beating, life-saving airbag system; and even a wheel-free development from Ferrari.

Sounds too good to be true? It isn't. Read on for our selection of the next-generation snow gear you'll want with you on the way down this season...